The Unleashing Leaders Podcast

What does a gospel saxophonist, a forensic psychiatric program director, and a community pillar have in common? They're all the same person, and she's been quietly unleashing leaders for over three decades. In this episode, Lee Scott sits down with Karen Jean Reed, Program 3 Director at Atascadero State Hospital, a cancer survivor, musician, and leader who built a culture of relentless recognition in one of the most demanding workplace environments imaginable. Frustrated early in her career by leaders who only spoke up when something went wrong, Karen stepped into management with a mission: change the music. Drawing on her roots as a music therapist, where she learned that every person has a "key signature" that unlocks their potential, she built a team culture anchored in one bold belief: Program 3 is the best program ever. Backed by 200+ framed certificates a year, potlucks, T-shirts, and specific weekly encouragement, her message never wavers: you are seen, valued, and essential. This episode is for any leader who has wondered whether the small gestures actually matter. Karen Jean Reed is living proof they do. Additional Resources: Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: How music bypasses the defenses that conventional leadership cannot Why Karen stepped into management when representation was scarce and changed the culture of recognition The "Program 3 is the best program ever" philosophy: aspiration as a leadership strategy Practical recognition tactics that cost little but land with lasting impact How faith, community leadership, and personal tragedy shaped her capacity to lead through adversity  

What really drives people to say yes, lean in, and follow through? Lee Scott breaks down one of his go-to leadership frameworks: the six fundamental human needs, and how understanding them can instantly sharpen the way you lead. From certainty and variety to significance, connection, growth, and contribution, Lee explores how these needs shape motivation, influence behavior, and reveal what matters most to the people around us. He shows leaders how to listen for the clues, adapt their language, and connect change to what already fuels someone internally. This episode is a practical deep dive for people-first leaders who want to communicate with more clarity, inspire with more intention, and lead in a way that truly resonates.   Additional Resources: Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Motivation starts with understanding underlying human needs. People prioritize needs differently in each situation. Better leaders tailor language to individual drivers. Healthy strategies meet needs without harmful side effects. Influence grows when leaders speak others' need language.  

Every leader has conversations they're dreading, avoiding, or fumbling before they even begin. In this episode, Lee Scott unpacks one of the most underestimated tools in the leadership toolkit, the compelling invitation. Not the ambush, not the vague "can we talk?" text, and not the cold command to report to the conference room. The compelling invitation is the art and science of getting the right person to show up curious, safe, and ready to engage, before the real conversation even starts. Drawing on frameworks from "Crucial Conversations," Chris Voss's "Never Split the Difference", Edgar Schein's humble inquiry, and Judith Glaser's conversational intelligence, Lee walks through the anatomy of a compelling invitation, and why skipping it is almost always your worst option. Whether you're navigating a performance challenge, pitching an idea upward, asking for a raise, or addressing friction in a long-standing relationship, how you extend the invitation shapes everything that follows.   Additional Resources: Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Why avoidance and assault are the two failure modes on either side of a compelling invitation The wedding invitation framework: the overlooked parallel to how leaders should open conversations Tailoring your invitation to DISC styles and the six fundamental human needs Contrasting outcomes vs. positions: what you want, and what this conversation is not going to be Giving people a genuine choice, and why "no" being on the table is actually a sign the relationship is working Real-world scripts across four scenarios: prospective clients, bosses, struggling employees, and personal relationships  

Change is inevitable, but fearless leaders choose to run toward it. In this replay episode, Lee sits down with Jen Bauer, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Culture at Miron Construction, to explore what it truly takes to build a people powered organization in an industry facing rapid transformation. From talent shortages to shifting workplace expectations, Jen shares candid insights on how purpose, community impact, and bold innovation are shaping the future of leadership. Together, Lee and Jen unpack how organizations can rethink recruiting pipelines, create meaningful internship experiences, and challenge the familiar phrase "that's not how we've always done it." With real world stories about investing in the next generation, embracing fresh perspectives, and cultivating ownership level engagement, this conversation highlights how culture driven strategies can unlock growth at scale. 💡 If you are a leader navigating change, striving to attract passionate talent, or searching for practical ways to energize your team, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable direction to help you build excellence from the inside out.   Key Takeaways: Fearless leaders embrace change and view failure as growth. Talent attraction now requires purpose driven employer branding. Internships create future ready leadership pipelines. Fresh perspectives challenge outdated organizational norms. Culture and community impact strengthen retention and engagement.   Additional Resources: Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram  

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Jamie Justice shares her journey from a snowboard athlete to a pioneering scientist and now a global leader in the fields of aging and health innovation. Discover how seeing leadership as a service at any level in the hierarchy, leveraging setbacks as launchpads, and relentless curiosity are transforming the quality and longevity of human life. This episode is a treasure trove for innovators, health leaders, and anyone passionate about transforming human potential through strategic leadership, partnership, and innovation. Key Takeaways: Get inspired about what humans can do when we innovate at the edge of humanity's greatest challenges via the X-Prize Early career leadership lessons to access mentorship and find your place to contribute even in a crowded room of experts Leveraging personal and professional setbacks to launch the next breakthrough Building and scaling interconnected communities through humility, service, and relentless curiosity Building innovative frameworks and navigating regulatory landscapes for scientific breakthroughs and rethinking limiting assumptions on human aging Additional Resources: Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Learn more, compete, and contribution through the X-Prize: X-Prize X-Prize HealthSpan Competition Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram  

In this replay episode, Lee sits down with Jen Arnold, CEO of Growth Signals, to unpack the real impact leaders have on trust, wellbeing, and performance at work. Jen challenges the surface-level approach to workplace wellness and reframes leadership as one of the most influential forces in a person's mental health and daily energy. She shares why trust is built in the smallest moments, how unclear expectations quietly erode culture, and what "compassionate candor" looks like when leaders go first with honesty and ownership. From missed one-on-ones to broken peer trust, Jen offers practical ways to repair relationships before resentment becomes the norm. Lee and Jen also explore the hidden stress of peer-to-peer conflict and the emotional energy it drains from teams. Together, they outline actionable steps leaders can take to name emotions, assume good intent, navigate workplace politics with integrity, and rebuild trust without sacrificing values. This conversation is a masterclass in resilient, people-first leadership that strengthens both culture and results.   Key Takeaways: Trust builds in small, consistent daily actions Leaders impact mental health more than spouses Name emotions before addressing workplace conflict Acceptance reduces stress in peer tensions Politics is simply relationships with mixed interests   Additional Resources: Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram  

In this conversation, Charles Sharp reflects on what it means to lead at a young age, sharing the experiences and formative moments that shaped his confidence, credibility, and approach to leadership. He talks about early lessons in humility, respect and relationship-building including stories that taught him never to underestimate people and always treat everyone with dignity.  Charles walks through his rise from coordinator to vice president in his early thirties, explaining how he learned to overcome doubts from others and from himself. He details how young leaders earn trust: by sticking to facts, delivering results, asking thoughtful questions, and staying humble even when they're expected to prove themselves. He also shares the internal battles that come with leadership — the fear of making mistakes, looking inexperienced, or asking for help and why mentors, feedback, and deliberate reflection are essential at every stage.    Additional Resources: CFO and Senior Vice President of PRIDE Industries Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: If you get a job, the company believes you're the right person. Your confidence is key to your success. Being the youngest or starting out doesn't diminish your value. Self-belief can propel you forward in your career. Success builds upon itself, leading to further opportunities.  

In this milestone 50th episode of the Unleashing Leaders podcast, host Lee Scott and guest Cyrus Aram shine a light on hidden blind spots of leadership. They discuss Cyrus's unique international experiences and early career challenges that revealed patterns in blind spots. Through stories of massive and micro scale changes, Cyrus shares how he learned how there are always blindspots and how to spot and reveal them, generally before the bite you. He then offers practical tips on a few blind spot antidotes: keeping culture front and center, navigating conflict resolution frameworks, leading customer-centric process changes, and balancing strategic and operational thinking. Cyrus emphasizes the need for both mentors and champions in one's career and shares valuable insights on how to find and access their wisdom effectively. Takeaways: Spotting the hidden cultural canaries that can derail mega changes (Bagel lady) Recognize and address team conflict with ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) Overcoming internal bias by improving processes from the outside-in (Customer-centric) Differentiate and leverage both Mentors and Champions Picking up the cues when to be Strategic vs Operational Learning to read the micro-expressions and behaviors (Poker Tells) Additional Resources: Cyrus Aram, CEO Unleashing Leaders, Faculty Professor UC Davis Graduate School of Management, Tedx Talk Speaker: Linkedin-personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrus-aram-688b1437/ Linkedin-UL company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unleashingleaders/ Ted Talk - Uncertainty Tolerated: https://www.ted.com/talks/cyrus_aram_uncertainty_tolerated_the_surprising_clarity_when_managing_ambiguity Escape from Tehran by Dr. Assad Aram. https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Tehran-Assad-Aram/dp/1492347620   Attend Unleashing Leaders University: https://unleashingleadersuniversity.com/purchase Learn more about Unleashing Leaders: https://unleashingleaders.com/ Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unleashingleaders Connect with Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeallenscott/ Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnleashingLeaders/ Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleashingleaders/

All leaders-to-be face a pivotal moment where they cross over from being a valuable individual contributor to taking on the mantle of leadership. That leadership role might be informal or formal, but either way it is a quantum leap in impact. Our guest is Rob Marcus, CEO of Blue Stallion Leadership and US Army Bronze Star veteran from from Fredericksburg, VA. Across military, civilian, and personal challenges, Rob has made the leap to leader and helped hundreds of others do so with courage, clarity, and accountability. In this episode, Rob shares insights from his career journey from pizza parlors to youth sports to military counter insurgency operations. He also gives a preview of practical tactics from his book, "Crossing the Divide" that can help early career folks make that transition for themselves and/or later career leaders help others make that leap with less frustration and delays. Rob describes how often our initial solutions to problems may get the immediate job done, but don't often scale. As a leader progresses in their breadth of responsibility, its important to expand our thinking two to three steps ahead. It's also important to consider both the bottom line aspects and the humanity to make it stick and persistent across multiple team members and customer experiences. Key takeaways: Recognizing when you are approaching the leadership divide so you can navigate it better on your terms Not letting perfection block you from starting your leadership journey Critical thinking factors to consider to maintain clarity and empathy under pressure Navigating the 5 challenges that come with leadership role changes: Skill Development, Peer Relationship Dynamics, Increased Responsibilities, Team Dynamics, and Identity Transition. Additional Resources: Rob Marcus, Founder and CEO of Blue Stallion Solutions Author of Crossing the Divide: The Leadership Shift that Defines your Next Chapter. Follow Rob on LinkedIn Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram  

On the UL podcast, we believe that leadership can happen with and without formal authority. Sometimes, the most challenging leadership role is leading up to a person who technically has more formal authority, but might be unintentionally causing some of the chaos you are trying to address. In this episode, we'll learn from two examples from different contexts but have very similar patterns for how to lead up to what we affectionately call "Chaos Monsters." In one case, Jesse shares his experience as a volunteer leader working within a non-profit civic organization with a charismatic executive director who is asking for increased operational structure ... and yet sometimes working in exact opposition. In the other case, Jesse will share his experience as an officer in the National Guard working in a matrixed command military structure to achieve particular mission readiness objectives ... and yet encounters higher ranking officers who sometimes contradict their own directives. Both examples sound totally different - one volunteer non profit, the other an officer in the military. And yet both illustrate similar patterns of how to lead up effectively. By day, Dr. Jesse Mix is a primary care and ER physician at the Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center in Boise, ID. In the evenings, he volunteers across a few community/civic organizations (which shall remain nameless). And as a National Guardsman, Lt. Col Jesse Mix is the Flight Surgeon/Medical Officer to an elite Pararescue (PJ) squadron within the US Air Force. He is also the past President of the Leadership Boise program. I personally love talking to Jesse because he makes me feel less stressed about whatever else I have going on in my life!   Key Takeaways: Recognizing when you are dealing with Chaos Monster(s) Scaling your responses from nudges to more direct intervention to higher level escalation Knowing when to hold em, and when to fold em! Additional Resources: By day, Dr. Jesse Mix is a primary care and ER physician with the Boise VA Medical Center. As a National Guardsman, Lt. Col Jesse Mis is a Flight Surgeon and Medical Officer for one of the US Air Force Pararescue (PJ) squadrons. He also leads as a volunteer across a few community/civic organizations. Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram  

We're hitting "replay" and raising a mug of cocoa! ☕️🎄 Each year, our PeopleForward Network team takes a full holiday break to rest, be with our people, and come back recharged for the new year. So this week, instead of a brand-new episode, we're sharing one of our all-time favorite conversations for you to enjoy again. Curl up, press play, and soak in the inspiration while you enjoy your own holiday downtime. Thanks for listening and letting this show be part of your year. We're excited to keep growing with you in the new one. In this episode of the Unleashing Leaders podcast, Lee Scott and Erin Cox discuss the complexities of decision-making in leadership roles. Erin shares her career journey, the challenges she faced while navigating multiple job offers, and the decision-making process she utilized, known as the OOC EMR model. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clarity, confidence, and authenticity in making impactful career choices, as well as the significance of having supportive colleagues and a positive work environment.   Additional Resources: Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Leaders often face complex decisions that require careful consideration. It's essential to identify desired outcomes before evaluating options. Mitigating risks can lead to more favorable decision outcomes. Authenticity in leadership fosters diversity and better problem-solving. Having supportive colleagues enhances job satisfaction and performance.  

In this conversation, Clayton Haas reflects on the turning points that shaped his leadership journey, from early lessons that challenged his assumptions to the moments that pushed him to grow. He shares how his approach evolved over time and what ultimately helped him become a leader who builds people, not just processes. Clayton shares an inspiring story of growing as a leader by learning to handle the hard parts of the job as we progress from individual contributor to front-line supervisor to middle and executive management. Leaders mature through a typical arch. Often they start by just doing things themselves, so they can avoid the harder and less fun parts of leading a team. Then they muster the resolve to do the hard things, but often with a cumulation of toil on the body and the spirit. The promise is to do the hard things better and with less stress, and to do them in a way the reduces how often you need to do them in the first place. It's good to be a leader who will handle the hard things, but that can come at a price. It's even better to be a leader who attracts and builds more people to handle the hard things. Clayton offers practical tips for how he made that personal transformation and has added years of peace and fulfilment to his life from it. Additional Resources: Connect with Clayton on LinkedIn Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: Leaders must learn from both good and bad examples. Customer service is essential in any role, including government. Listening is a critical skill for effective leadership. Empowering employees leads to better outcomes. Difficult conversations are necessary for growth.  

In this episode, Steve Sorenson, Senior Director of Learning and Culture at Johnsonville, shares how intentional language, accountability, and empowerment form the backbone of a thriving organizational culture. Drawing from his leadership journey, Steve explores how redefining roles through clear language can unlock personal growth and drive team alignment. He unpacks Johnsonville's unique cultural framework where self-leadership, coaching, and communication are more than buzzwords and highlights the strategies they use to foster engagement at every level. From creating psychological safety to encouraging self-advocacy and feedback loops, Steve reveals how culture isn't just supported by HR, but built daily by every member of the organization. This episode is a guide for leaders who want to cultivate workplaces rooted in ownership, purpose, and trust. Additional Resources: Connect with Steve on LinkedIn Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: Johnsonville refers to its workforce as members, not employees. Words matter in defining organizational culture and relationships. High engagement scores reflect a strong organizational culture. Empowerment in decision-making is crucial for leadership development. Effective communication involves understanding interpretation, not just intention.  

In this insightful conversation, Rosa Leal shares her inspiring journey from designing NASCAR alternators to leading commercial product strategy and customer experience at Rheem. With over 20 patents and a passion for innovation, Rosa reflects on how empathy, listening, and collaboration have shaped her leadership approach across engineering and product development. She dives into the complexity of designing for layered customer ecosystems, the importance of staying ahead of regulatory shifts, and how her experience as an immigrant and non-native English speaker sharpened her ability to truly hear customer needs. Rosa also unpacks the role of product management in aligning internal teams, managing risk through stage-gate processes, and fostering a culture where ideas and challenges are welcomed. This episode is a blueprint for leaders who want to drive innovation without sacrificing humility or humanity. Additional Resources: Strategic Leader | Engineer | Patent Holder | Selected as one of the 2023 Top Women in HVAC and Engineered Systems's 2023 20 to Watch: Women in HVAC Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: Innovation starts with truly listening to customers. Product strategy succeeds when cross-functional teams align early. Empathy, kindness, and clarity drive stronger leadership. Regulatory shifts are opportunities, not obstacles. Building trust enables open, risk-aware innovation.  

In this empowering conversation, Janeen Dodson shares her remarkable 27-year journey in California state government, from a student assistant to Deputy Director at the Department of Housing and Community Development. With humility, grit, and deep operational insight, Janeen explores what it means to lead from any level — emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and relationship-building in complex systems. She unpacks the challenges emerging leaders face when driving change without authority, the importance of understanding one's sphere of control and influence, and how perceptual acuity and bravery go hand-in-hand when disrupting the status quo. Janeen also dives into the power of feedback, embracing discomfort, and how senior leaders can remove barriers to unleash their teams' innovation. Additional Resources: Follow Janeen on LinkedIn Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: Janeen Dodson has over 27 years of experience in state government. Early experiences shape leadership perspectives and styles. Leadership is not dependent on a title; anyone can lead. Building relationships is crucial for emerging leaders. Understanding your sphere of control and influence is key to effective leadership.  

In this engaging conversation, KL Shaw shares her unique career journey from selling cars to becoming a C-suite executive and ultimately a professional coach. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity, problem-solving, and networking in career advancement. KL discusses the significance of embracing risk and overcoming fear, as well as the critical skills of negotiation and relationship-building. The conversation also touches on interview preparation and the mindset needed for success. Ultimately, KL highlights that kindness and a genuine desire to help others unlock their potential are key hallmarks of successful leadership. Additional Resources: Connect with KL Shaw on LinkedIn Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: Vulnerability can lead to powerful connections. Curiosity is essential for problem-solving and growth. Networking is crucial; 80% of jobs are found this way. Every day is an opportunity to interview for your next role. Embrace risk; you have time to rebuild if needed.

In this episode of the Unleashing Leaders podcast, Lee Scott and Ross Thornley delve into the concept of adaptability in leadership, particularly during chaotic times. Ross shares his journey into leadership and the development of the Adaptability Quotient (AQ), emphasizing the importance of psychological safety and resilience in organizations. They discuss the challenges leaders face in recognizing stress signals and the necessity of difficult conversations. The conversation also explores the resilience maturity model and the significance of self-reflection in enhancing adaptability. Ross highlights the future of coaching, the integration of AI, and the importance of compassion in leadership. Ross Thornley is an Author & Keynote Speaker on Adaptability & The Future of Work. Serial Entrepreneur. Co-Founder of AQai - The World's Largest Community of Adaptability Certified Coaches. Host of DECODING AQ podcast.   Additional Resources: Follow Ross on LinkedIn Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Adaptability is crucial for leaders in chaotic times. Psychological safety fosters better adaptability in teams. Recognizing stress signals is essential for personal and organizational health. Difficult conversations can lead to growth and understanding. The resilience maturity model helps leaders navigate challenges.

In this episode, Dr. Derek Bub shares some of the less glamorous realities of navigating turbulence and rebuilding leaders after setbacks. Dr. Bub shares his unconventional career journey, starting as a fraud investigator to becoming the superintendent of the West Ada School District, the largest K-12 educational district in Idaho. The conversation delves into the 'dark side' of leadership, which recognizes that often leaders are found and forged in the foundry of a crisis. It isn't pleasant in the moment. Maybe you are stuck cleaning up a mess that had nothing to do with you; or maybe you made a mistake that you are recovering from. But it is these setbacks that are the setups for growing as a leader. Dr. Derek Bub outlines how to prepare for the inevitable setbacks, navigate them with grace, and then how to restore yourself or colleagues who might feel bruised by the gauntlet. He also highlights how to demonstrate compassion by listening to stakeholders and teammates, even when emotions run high and answers are unclear. And then following up after the fact to reflect and restore confidence, so leaders have the room to grow and learn. Additional Resources: Follow Dr. Derek Bub on Linkedin Learn more about West Ada School District Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Leadership is not confined to titles; it can manifest at all levels. Leadership is not always glorious, but the 'setbacks" are "setups" for growth. Don't just seek to understand; show others that you understand them, even when there are disparate views. Surprises often come from small issues rather than big ones. Any change will generate "resistance"; don't avoid it, invite it!

In this conversation, Lee and Amy Bayer discuss the complexities of career breaks and re-entering the workforce, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by individuals who take time off for personal reasons such as parenting. Amy shares her personal journey in human resources, her experiences with leadership, and the importance of open communication between employees and employers. They explore the emotional aspects of transitioning back to work, the significance of self-discovery, and the need for patience and persistence in finding fulfilling career opportunities. Additional Resources: 16+ Years in Hospitality Procurement | Supply Chain, Contracting, + Delivering Value to Clients: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybayer/ Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: Career breaks can be a source of pride and growth. Open conversations between leaders and employees are crucial. Self-discovery is key to finding fulfillment in work. It's important to recognize and address feelings of depression. The body keeps score of our emotional well-being.

Jeff Lindeman, Chief People, Culture & Capability Officer at WD-40, joins the podcast to unpack the dual challenge every modern leader faces leading themselves and leading through change. Through personal reflection, bold transparency, and a people-first mindset, Jeff reveals how introversion, vulnerability, and authenticity can become surprising superpowers in leadership. In this deep-dive conversation, Jeff and Lee examine how seemingly small moments, like asking for time off or handling disappointment, can become pivotal points of leadership. Jeff walks us through lessons learned from his early career, how he doubled performance by showing respect, and how WD-40 cultivates 94% employee engagement in a world where the average is just 23%. From embracing AI with curiosity instead of fear to fostering trust through shared accountability, Jeff shows us that unleashing leaders isn't about having all the answers—it's about asking the right questions and showing up with intentional presence. Additional Resources: Jeff is Chief People, Culture & Capability Officer at WD-40: linkedin.com/in/jglindeman Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram  Key Takeaways: Leadership is not about extroversion; it's about trust. Showing up authentically is crucial for effective leadership. Respecting employees leads to better engagement and productivity. Leadership is a team sport, not a solo act. Vulnerability in leadership fosters stronger relationships.

In this episode, Debra Squyres reveals the nuanced relationship between the customer experience and team member experience. She debunks several myths about what it means to be a customer focused organization, including "The customer is always right" or "You can either have happy employees or happy customers." The reality is that our employees are the ones that create the customer experience. Debra covers practical strategies for leaders to implement intentional, steady, regular doses of recognition practices that build trust within their teams and help them deliver amazing customer experiences. She also shares emerging technology that can help leaders build effective and timely peer-to-peer and leader-to-team member encouragement and feedback. Additional Resources: Chief Customer Officer at Bonusly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrasquyres/ Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: - Exceptional customer experience is rooted in team member experience. - Great leaders model the way for how they want the customers to feel by how they treat their team members. - Building trust requires consistent recognition and feedback. - Ways to help reluctant leaders genuinely and more regularly recognize employees. - Recognition should be specific about behaviors and linked to outcomes. - Recognition is not just for superlative performance. - Understanding individual preferences is key to effective recognition. - Public recognition can be powerful but must be balanced with personal comfort.

This episode marks the powerful conclusion to the Vision Series, where Lee Scott illuminates one of the most overlooked yet transformative tools in a leader's arsenal, storytelling as a conduit for vision. This episode uncovers how the right words, shared with intention, can align teams, unlock motivation, and move organizations forward. Lee breaks down three high-stakes leadership conversations, elevator pitches, delegation, and escalation, revealing how each becomes a pivotal moment to embody and activate your vision. Through real-world examples drawn from national leadership conferences and high-impact client engagements, he shares not just what to say, but how to say it in a way that resonates and creates movement. Listeners will walk away with practical, field-tested frameworks: from designing elevator pitches that spark curiosity and connection, to delegating in a way that energizes ownership, to navigating escalations using the CORE model to advocate with clarity and courage. Lee challenges leaders not just to speak their vision but to live it out loud, transforming everyday conversations into catalysts for shared progress and collective purpose. Additional Resources: Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: Leaders must effectively communicate their vision through storytelling. Crafting an elevator pitch is essential for networking and engagement. Delegation should start with the 'why' to inspire action. Escalating issues requires a structured approach to ensure clarity. Visionary leadership transforms tasks into collaborative efforts.

In this episode, Lee continues the series on Vision by sharing a powerful tool to focus your teams - Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). OKRs are a tool for building the intermediate range of goals that connect your long-term vision to your short-term actions. OKRs are a way to concentrate your team's collective impact on the few most vital, relevant, shared, and time sensitive aspects of your business. Lee briefly explains the history and then dives into the practical tips and tricks to make your Objectives clear, concise, and compelling. He helps leaders avoid getting stuck with the wording by giving specific syntax, sequence, and guidelines. He then describes the different kinds of Key Results, so you can quickly measure and assess your progress. He also provides tips for making these measurements helpful and at the right level.   Additional Resources: Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: OKRs focus your team's impact on the vital few shared priorities. OKRs are not everything your team is doing. Only 1-3ish per level of an organization. Objectives are clear, concise, compelling, and directional statements of a destination or outcome. Leaders often get stuck focusing on the task or solution. Ask, "Why would we want that?" or "Who would benefit if we did that?" to get closer to the outcome. Powerful objectives are a single sentence with strong action verbs, a specific aspect of the business, a desirable outcome/impact, and often the primary customer/beneficiary. Key Results are quantifiable, indicators of progress. Set your KR targets with the end in mind. Don't wimp out by waiting for a baseline. Refresh OKRs quarterly or so to assess and adapt to changing priorities.

In this episode, Lee picks up from the prior episode on seeing the trends in your business environment to seeing where you want to be. He summarizes the origins and value of a good mission/vision statement; and also the perils of how poorly and painfully it can be to create them. He provides an alternative approach to creating Rapid Organizational Unit Statements (affectionately referred to as ROUS in a nod to The Princess Bride). The ROUS technique is an engaging and collaborative method that helps teams quickly create clear, concise, and compelling missions. Lee outlines the criteria and a step-by-step process for engaging a group of leaders to create or update your overarching mission and vision. The episode concludes with a preview of the next topic: OKRs (Objectives and Key Results).   Additional Resources: Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Crafting mission and vision statements is essential for strategic planning. Avoid the traditional painful and time consuming "You're killing me, Smalls" approach. The ROUS technique allows for rapid creation of effective statements. Mission statements answer "Who are we and why are we here?" They should not focus on the services and activities (the what and how). Vision statements answer "Where do we want to be/Where are we going?" Good Mission/Visions focus on the destination and strive to be clear, concise, and compelling. Engaging the team and perhaps key suppliers or customers in the process fosters ownership and alignment.

Where there is no vision, the people perish." Sounds like an important skill for leaders! In this episode, Lee demystifies the critical leadership competency of Vision by breaking it down into specific behaviors and skills. He emphasizes the two aspects of being able to SEE and SHARE a compelling vision for the future, especially in a rapidly changing world. He introduces three practical tools for helping leaders do this. In part 1, he focuses on helping your team SEE the trends coming your way. He points out the limitation of traditional tools like SWOT analysis. Lee offers a more practical environmental scan method with logistical tips and facilitation tricks for leaders to engage their teams in meaningful discussions about the future.   Additional Resources: Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Specific tool for facilitating part 1 of a vision session with your team. Visionary leadership includes the ability to SEE and SHARE. Both matter. It's not the strongest who thrive; it is the most adaptive. Traditional SWOT analysis have several limitations. Alternative environmental scanning tools can provide a broader and more practical perspective. Next episodes: Part 2 - Creating or updating a Mission/Vision/Purpose statement - quickly and powerfully. Part 3 - Bridging from here to there with focused Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). Part 4 - Story telling to keep the vision vibrant and relevant.

Rob Catalano, Chief Engagement Officer at WorkTango, shares insights on how leaders can enhance employee engagement through simple, regular micro-doses of recognition and feedback. He discusses his career transition from what he thought was his dream job (customer experience marketing) and how that translated into his actual dream job (engaging employee experiences). Why is it that so many employees at recognizable brands are miserable? He recognized the need for leaders to create environments where employees can be raving fans just as we seek our customers to be raving fans. Rob offers practical tips for how to recognize employee contributions and deliver constructive feedback in a way that unleashes talent and uplifts workplace culture for overall organizational success. The discussion also highlights generational differences in feedback expectations, particularly with Gen Z employees. Catalano advocates for a culture of curiosity over blame, encouraging leaders to engage in meaningful conversations that foster growth and development.   Additional Resources: Connect with Rob on LinkedIn Learn more about WorkTango Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Positive employee sentiment is crucial for organizational success. Recognition is best when it is SMT - Specific, Meaningful, and Timely. Feedback doesn't have to take a lot of time, but you must make some time for it. Feedback is better in smaller, more frequent micro-doses. Focus recognition more on employee's contributions and competencies and less on longevity.

Ken Rusk, bestselling author of Blue-Collar Cash and founder of Rusk Industries, joins Lee to bust three major myths about scaling blue-collar businesses. First, he challenges the outdated view that trades aren't a fulfilling career path. Next, he explores how both blue- and white-collar leaders often limit themselves by tying identity to individual skills, blocking the potential to scale. Finally, Ken flips the script on "motivating" employees—sharing how to inspire intrapreneurs and redefine goals as "timed paths to success." This episode is packed with practical insight and mindset shifts for people-first leaders!   Additional Resources: Check out Ken's impactful course: The Path to a Successful Life Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: There are many paths to abundance and fulfillment. Blue-collar work is often stigmatized but is highly valuable. Self-limiting beliefs can hinder entrepreneurial growth. True entrepreneurs create scalable systems and delegate tasks. Understanding your identity is crucial for growth.

In this conversation, Alain Hunkins discusses the integration of empathy and accountability in leadership. He emphasizes that leadership is a performing art, where behavior and connection are crucial. The discussion covers the importance of being present, the role of feedback, and how to navigate emotional responses in the workplace. Hunkins shares practical skills for demonstrating empathy and the significance of creating a culture of accountability. The conversation concludes with insights on the outcomes of effective leadership and the importance of reframing feedback as a sign of care.   Additional Resources: Connect with Alain on LinkedIn Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Leadership is a performing art that requires self-awareness. Empathy and accountability must be integrated, not balanced. Feedback is essential for growth and should be seen as a sign of care. Engaged employees lead to better business outcomes. Listening with purpose is a key skill for leaders. Creating a culture of accountability starts with clear expectations. Discomfort is a natural part of the learning process. Empathy requires time and presence in conversations. Feedback should be framed as a collaborative process. Leaders must help employees understand their role in the bigger picture.

In this episode of the Unleashing Leaders podcast, Lee and Erin Cox discuss the complexities of decision-making in leadership roles. Erin shares her career journey, the challenges she faced while navigating multiple job offers, and the decision-making process she utilized, known as the OOC EMR model. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clarity, confidence, and authenticity in making impactful career choices, as well as the significance of having supportive colleagues and a positive work environment.   Additional Resources: Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Leaders often face complex decisions that require careful consideration. The OOC EMR model helps in structuring decision-making processes. It's essential to identify desired outcomes before evaluating options. Mitigating risks can lead to more favorable decision outcomes. Authenticity in leadership fosters diversity and better problem-solving. Having supportive colleagues enhances job satisfaction and performance. Decision-making can be overwhelming, but clarity brings peace. Negotiating offers can lead to better outcomes in career decisions. Work-life balance is crucial for personal fulfillment. Reflecting on past experiences can guide future decisions.

In this conversation, Chris Rollins discusses the concept of Ripple Effect Leadership, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and connection in effective leadership. He shares his personal journey and how pivotal moments shaped his understanding of leadership. The discussion covers practical techniques for leaders to shift their mindsets from a siloed approach to a more inclusive and impactful ripple effect mindset. Chris highlights the significance of courage in leadership and provides actionable steps for creating a positive ripple effect within teams and organizations.    Additional Resources: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Good leadership is contagious and spreads beyond the individual. Vulnerability is essential for creating trust and connection. Leaders must recognize their ripple effect on others. Shifting from a siloed mindset to a ripple effect mindset is crucial. Courage in leadership means being willing to take risks and be vulnerable. Creating a safe environment fosters high-performing teams. Asking the right questions can lead to deeper understanding and connection. Every leader can be a catalyst for change in their organization. The impact of a leader's actions can resonate for years to come. Being fully self-expressed is key to unleashing one's leadership potential.  

Stacie Baird, Chief People Officer at Community Medical Services, offers insights on the intersection of self-care, resilience, and ethical AI to elevate the human experience. She shares her professional journey to discovering her leadership purpose in addressing the opioid epidemic. She also shares the power of adversity in our personal lives to unlock our super powers and focus our contributions where it matter most. Get practical tips for how you can self-regulate or co-regulate anytime, anywhere in the face of adversity. Lastly, explore simple ways you can begin to use AI for your own self-care as well as apply it ethically to enhance your team's resilience and impact.   Additional Resources: Connect with Stacie Baird on LinkedIn Subscribe to Stacie's newsletter: HX in an AI World series Listen to the HX Podcast with Stacie Baird Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Adversity is often the source of our strengths. Resilience is navigating the long-term journey; not a quick "bounce-back." Your career is a portfolio; curate it wisely. Self-care includes pausing, speaking to yourself with love, and asking, "What do I need?" Co-regulation with others is what makes us human.  

Lee is joined by Andrew Adeniyi, founder of AAA Solutions and author of The Circle of Leadership and The Building Blocks of Belonging, to share how leaders can build psychologically safe teams by aligning personal and company values. Drawing from his own experiences with both healthy and toxic cultures, Andrew offers practical steps for transforming dysfunctional environments, especially those leaders inherit. His insights highlight the power of self-awareness and value-driven leadership in creating inclusive, high-performing workplaces.   Additional Resources: Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn Buy a Book or Schedule a Consult with Andrew Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Accessing both shared Company values and unique Personal values are important for creating a positive workplace culture. Leaders should be self-aware of their own values and authentic about current organizational realities. Changing a dysfunctional culture starts with understanding the purpose and vision of the organization. Honesty, vulnerability, and consistency are crucial in aligning actions with stated values.

Managing a distributed team sounds tough—until you hear how Matt Tait turned it into a competitive advantage for his business. In this episode Lee sits down with Matt, CEO of Decimal—a fast-growing bookkeeping and accounting firm that's taking "boring" and turning it into brilliance. Matt's journey is anything but ordinary: from a failed restaurant tech startup to scaling Decimal from a two-person operation to a team of 80 across four countries, he's learned firsthand how to lead with vulnerability, humility, and a dash of humor. Learn what it really means to "fail forward," and how that mindset can help to navigate a remote-first, people-first business.   Additional Resources: Connect with Matt on LinkedIn Listen to Matt's Podcast - After the First Million Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Embrace Vulnerability and Failure: Matt highlights the importance of "failing forward" and embracing vulnerability to grow as a leader. Building Remote Culture: Creating intentional connection points and valuing transparency is crucial to success in a remote workforce. Scaling with a People-First Approach: Matt emphasizes that business success stems from building a team that genuinely cares about each other.

In this episode of Unleashing Leaders, Lee teams up with Skot Waldron, host of the Unlocked podcast, to dive into one of the most significant challenges leaders face: limiting beliefs. These are often partial truths that have helped us succeed in the past but are now holding us back. Lee and Scott explore how these beliefs affect not only us as individual leaders but also the teams we guide. Learn to identify limiting beliefs and how to help team members overcome it. Tune in for practical strategies to illuminate and elevate your leadership impact, and learn how to accelerate positive change by leveraging the talents within your teams. Additional Resources: Connect with Skot Waldron on LinkedIn Listen to the original episode on the Unlocked podcast Learn more about Skot and his work Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram

In this episode, host Lee Scott welcomes Darren Virassammy, co-founder of 34 Strong, TEDx speaker, and talented bass player. Darren shares his personal journey of discovering lateral leadership through his home life and how this has shaped his approach to workplace dynamics. Explore the concept of lateral leadership across organizations, industries, and business relationships, with practical tips on how to build strong, lasting partnerships. Tune in for actionable advice on how to build trust, handle conflict, and become an "Unleashed Leader." Additional Resources: Connect with Darren on LinkedIn Follow 34 Strong on LinkedIn Listen to The Strengths Whisperer Podcast Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Focus on building relationships and connections before focusing on products and processes. Have regular check-in conversations to maintain and strengthen partnerships. Be a trusted partner for both external and internal collaborations. Building trust takes time and requires planting seeds and taking baby steps. Saying no and setting boundaries is important for personal and professional growth. Gratitude and self-awareness are key components of effective leadership.

Lee is joined by Bill Otterbeck, Deputy Director at California's Department of Healthcare Services, to share how to lead large-scale transformations through integrative thinking and cross-functional collaboration.  He explores the power of understanding diverse perspectives, aligning motivations, and fostering shared goals. For Otterbeck, an unleashed leader builds other leaders—creating a culture rooted in communication, problem-solving, and collective purpose.   Additional Resources: Connect with Bill Otterbeck on LinkedIn Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Integrative thinking involves considering multiple perspectives and connecting the dots across different areas of an organization. Collaboration and effective communication are essential for problem-solving and achieving shared goals. Understanding the motivations of others, both internally and externally, can help build strong relationships and alignment. An unleashed leader is someone who can build many leaders within their organization and foster a culture of collaboration and shared purpose. 

John Crowder, Vice President of the Healthcare Vertical at Integrity Solutions, brings decades of experience working with some of the world's largest organizations to this insightful conversation with Lee Scott. In this replay episode, John shares how leaders can have a greater impact by shifting from listening to respond to truly listening to understand. He dives into the value of empathy, being consultative, and uncovering meaningful insights to enhance team performance. Packed with actionable strategies, this episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to make a lasting, people-first impact.   Additional Resources: Connect with John on LinkedIn Learn more about Integrity Solutions Listen to the original episode! Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: Information discovered is more powerful than information delivered Seek to understand before being understood Accountability and innovation allow individuals space to verbalize their ideas

Michelle Cirocco, CEO of the Televerde Foundation and Chief Impact Officer at Televerde, shares her powerful journey from incarceration to executive leadership.  In this conversation with Lee, she reveals her philosophy of empowering teams to lead like business owners and discusses how Televerde supports women in prison with job training and career opportunities. Michelle highlights the impact of these initiatives—low recidivism, high employment rates—and explores key themes like imposter syndrome, trust, and purpose-driven leadership. Her story is a compelling example of using personal experience to drive meaningful societal change.   Additional Resources: Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn Learn more about Televerde  Learn more about the Televerde Foundation Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Empowering team members to run their own "business" Supporting women in prison through job and training opportunities Overcoming personal adversity and imposter syndrome The power of meaningful professional connections and leadership evolution Balancing delegation and control in leadership roles

In this featured episode from the Gut + Science podcast, Lee joined host Nikki Lewallen Gregory to provide insights on leadership and personal growth.  The discussion centers around identifying and nurturing people's potential and greatness through genuine curiosity, recognizing strengths, and positioning your team as the heroes of the narrative. The episode emphasizes the importance of exhibiting grace, curiosity, and empathy in relationships, focusing on what individuals value and require, and assisting them in achieving their goals.   Additional Resources: Listen to the original episode! Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Cultivating curiosity is essential for identifying strengths and superpowers Challenging beliefs are necessary to find new ways to grow and overcome limitations Effective leaders listen actively and focus on the critical needs of their team members 

In this replay episode, Lee welcomes Michelle Mahaffey, EVP and Chief HR Officer at Community Health Network in Indianapolis. Michelle highlights the importance of overcoming the stigma around mental health and the significance of caregivers being able to receive care themselves. They discuss the joy and fulfillment of allowing others to support you and the importance of normalizing the need for help and seeking support. The conversation then shifts to burnout, sustainability, and resilience, especially within the healthcare profession.   Additional Resources: Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn Listen to the original episode! Learn more about Community Health Network Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways:  Leadership is a collective effort, not just top-down solutions. Building trust and credibility as a new leader. The power of active listening and understanding challenges.

Stephanie Clendenin, Director of the California Department of State Hospitals, joins Lee to share her journey from accounting to leading one of the nation's largest forensic mental health systems. With 34+ years in public service, she reflects on unifying siloed teams, navigating political sensitivities, and driving impact through strategic planning and shared goals. Stephanie's story is a powerful example of people-first leadership in complex, high-stakes environments.   Additional Resources: Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn Learn more about California Department of State Hospitals Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Overcoming departmental silos for organizational unity Strategic planning amidst health care system evolution Navigating resistance to change in long-established organizations Balancing high-level strategy with detailed operational focus Shifting paradigms in mental health and justice involvement 

Sheriff Matt Clifford of Idaho's largest law enforcement agency shares powerful leadership lessons from his 23-year career in public service.  In this conversation with Lee, he explores how empowering teams, adapting to change, and building strong community relationships are key to maintaining public trust. From his start at Boise State to shaping safety policies in the Treasure Valley, Sheriff Clifford reflects on service culture, learning from mistakes, and leading with respect through adversity.   Additional Resources: Connect with Matt Clifford on LinkedIn Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Cultivating a supportive internal culture amidst a growing community Embracing diverse community expectations in Ada County Navigating leadership challenges in adapting to shifting police cultures Balancing firmness and respect in correctional environment interactions

With a background of breaking down silos and fostering unity within professional services, Randie Dial discusses the transformative journey from a culture of isolated microcultures to one where collaboration reigns supreme. Randie and Lee uncover the story behind CliftonLarsonAllen's (CLA) pivotal shift that led to securing a game-changing $4 billion client and sparked a shift towards a client-centered strategy. They delve into practical tactics like the "happy Friday email" for celebrating team wins and networking with a focus on giving rather than taking.   Additional Resources: Connect with Randie on LinkedIn Learn more about CLA Check out Give and Take by Adam Grant Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Overcoming organizational silos for market success Cultivating unity through consistent team recognition The impact of mentorship on leadership development Rethinking networking for meaningful professional relationships Innovative strategies for attracting new talent to the accounting profession 

Tria Deibert, SVP of Culture and Team Member Well-being at Hackensack Meridian Health, brings a fresh perspective from her marketing roots to leading cultural transformation in a 35,000+ employee organization. In her conversation with Lee, Tria highlights the power of appreciative inquiry, positive storytelling, and peer mentoring to strengthen leadership and equity. She also shares her return to academia and the innovative strategies she uses to foster authentic, people-first leadership.   Additional Resources: Connect with Tria on LinkedIn Learn more about Hackensack Meridian Health Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Navigating boundaries for creative leadership Fostering equity and capacity in leadership roles The transformative power of appreciative inquiry Reinventing organizational culture through storytelling Innovating well-being strategies in the workplace 

Kevin Gearheart, the president of Rehab Medical, demonstrates the potency of leader alignment and a growth mindset. In this episode, he delves into the evolution of strategic planning and the disciplined execution that drove nearly 30% yearly growth over eight years alongside Lee. Addressing the complexities of infrastructure enhancement and the strategic gamble of product focus shifts, Kevin shares insights on constructing an environment of trust within the company and the pivotal role of structured communication. Together, they unravel the essence of a "micro speed, macro patience" approach in unfolding leadership and success.   Additional Resources: Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn Learn more about Rehab Medical Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Overcoming business growth challenges through shared values Structuring communication for effective decision-making Navigating complex sales leadership dynamics Importance of culture-strategy alignment for organizational success Meticulous planning for sustainable expansion in new markets

In this episode, Estrella Parker illuminates the importance of asking the right questions. As the chief people officer at Cupertino Electric, her role extends far beyond the conventional boundaries, delving into the challenges of productivity, skilled labor shortages, and the digital revolution in construction. Engaging in a thought-provoking dialogue with Lee, Estrella unveils her personal mantra of leadership as a service, the value of understanding problems in context to forge effective solutions, and the art of speaking the language of varied teams to build trust and rapport.   Additional Resources: Connect with Estrella on LinkedIn Learn more about Cupertino Electric Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Overcoming business growth challenges through shared values Structuring communication for effective decision-making Navigating complex sales leadership dynamics Importance of culture-strategy alignment for organizational success Meticulous planning for sustainable expansion in new markets

John Brown, COO of GEHA Health, shares his journey from engineering to executive leadership, shaped by a lattice-style career across diverse roles.  Now serving nearly 2 million members, John joins Lee Scott to discuss the value of ditching rigid rulebooks in favor of a culture of innovation. He highlights the impact of unscripted conversations, authentic connection, and turning insight into action to drive meaningful results for both teams and customers.   Additional Resources: Connect with John Brown on LinkedIn Learn more about GEHA Health Check out The Leadership Challenge Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways: Lattice versus ladder career approach Recognizing the needs of diverse customer types Simplifying HR policies to bolster leadership adaptability The dangers of lacking resilience

Jen Casimiro, a strategic leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), joins Lee to share how her passion for basketball shaped her leadership philosophy. Jen breaks down how leading with values, staying authentic, and ensuring every voice is heard can transform workplace culture. Her insights offer a powerful blueprint for building inclusive teams that thrive on trust, empowerment, and shared purpose.   Additional Resources: Connect with Jen Casimiro on LinkedIn Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram

In this episode, Lee explores how gratitude and goal-setting can unlock greater impact and fulfillment. Using real-life leadership examples, he highlights the power of comparing our current reality to an alternate "what if" to deepen perspective. Lee emphasizes grounding in gratitude and setting goals that inspire without overwhelming.  Tune in to discover how these practices can elevate your leadership and influence.   Additional Resources: Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram   Key Takeaways:  Gratitude can change your state of mind Establish a tracking system for your goals Celebrate the success and setbacks of your journey

Adam Goodman leads with self-awareness and a commitment to growth, creating a culture rooted in trust and honest dialogue. In this episode, he joins Lee to discuss generational leadership, recognizing untapped career potential, and confronting systemic racism in the workplace. With impact stretching from Phoenix to Albuquerque, Adam's leadership journey offers powerful lessons for anyone seeking to lead with empathy, purpose, and accountability. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on the real challenges—and rewards—of people-first leadership.   Additional Resources: Connect with Adam Goodman Learn more about Goodmans Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram